Germany demolished Brazil, running out 7-1 winners in the World Cup semi-final.

ABC News

Germany scored five goals in 18 astonishing first-half minutes on its way to a 7-1 semi-final mauling of Brazil on Wednesday morning which shattered the host nation's hopes of winning its sixth World Cup.

It was the most shocking result in the tournament's history, as well as a record World Cup defeat for Brazil and its first at home in 64 competitive matches since 1975.

"They were the best, they prepared better, they played better, we let in four goals in six minutes. It is a very sad day and we'll learn from it."

Thomas Mueller started the rout with an 11th-minute volley and although Germany looked to be the better team after an early period of Brazil pressure, there was little indication of the devastation about to be unleashed.

Brazil was playing without injured forward Neymar and suspended captain and defensive linchpin Thiago Silva and it was the latter's absence that proved far more costly.

The hosts' defence simply caved in.

Brazil conceded four times between the 23rd minute when Klose made it 2-0 and the 29th when Sami Khedira put Germany 5-0 in front.

Andre Schuerrle, who replaced Klose in the 58th minute added two more, the second an angled shot that flew in off the crossbar.

With Germany 1-0 ahead, Klose scored from a rebound after goalkeeper Julio Cesar saved his initial shot for his 16th goal in his 23rd World Cup appearance.

But worse was to follow for Brazil a minute later when Toni Kroos, lurking with intent but unmarked at the edge of the area, smashed home with the outside of his left foot to make it 3-0.

He scored again just two minutes later to make it 4-0 and Brazil's pain continued when Khedira made it 5-0 after a one-two with Mesut Ozil in the 29th minute.

Any hopes Brazil had of saving the game ended there but to the hosts' credit it rallied at the start of the second and forced a series of saves from Germany keeper Manuel Neuer before Schuerrle struck in the 69th minute and again 10 minutes later.

Oscar's late goal was greeted by an ironic cheer from the shocked, stunned home fans who were in tears at the end of the most incredible World Cup game ever played.